Leigh Cohen, MS, CCC-SLP
Assistant Clinical Professor
Leigh Cohen’s primary clinical interests lie in the areas of acquired neurogenic disorders including motor speech, language, cognition, voice and dysphagia. She is certified in LSVT Loud for both pediatric and adult populations, a SPEAK OUT! provider for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, and MBSImP certified to apply a standardized approach to the instruction, assessment, and reporting of swallowing physiology and impairment. Leigh leads a multi-disciplinary Cognitive Fitness program that promotes lifestyle modifications to promote optimal brain health. She is committed to culturally responsive care, patient advocacy, and health initiatives that serve the community.
MS, Speech and Language Pathology, Duquesne University
BA, Speech and Language Pathology, Indiana University
Belma Hadžiselimović, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Clinical Professor
Belma Hadžiselimović’s work focuses on neurogenic communication disorders, bilingualism, and preparing clinicians to serve diverse communities. She co-leads the Northwestern University Aphasia Center, where programming includes a variety of therapy groups, ongoing individual treatment services, and intensive programs, each customized to support meaningful communication and participation. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practice and the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia.
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MS, Speech-Language Pathology, Columbia University
BA, Comparative Language Studies, Mt. Holyoke College
Karen Kinderman, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Clinical Professor
Karen Kinderman specializes in treating adults with acquired neurogenic disorders, including aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia of speech. She focuses on cognitive-communication skills for individuals with traumatic brain injury, particularly those with persisting post-concussion symptoms. Karen is a certified SPEAK OUT!® provider and group facilitator for Parkinson’s Disease. She also works on speech intelligibility and professional speaking goals.
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
BA, Sociology, Sonoma State University
E. Debbie Lee, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Clinical Professor
Debbie Lee is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and learning disabilities specialist. She has extensive experience in public and private schools and in home-based private practice. Debbie’s primary areas of interest include speech, language, and learning in preschool and school-aged children and the role of schools in providing excellent, equitable support for all children. In addition, Debbie is passionate about the importance of school-based speech-language pathologists as agents of change in schools.
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Learning Disabilities, Northwestern University
BS, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
Elisha Boxer Magnifico, MA, CCC-SLP
Assistant Clinical Professor
Elisha Boxer Magnifico is Director of the Stuttering Initiative and an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University, where she is also an alumna. With more than 25 years of experience as a practicing speech-language pathologist in the United States and abroad, Elisha is passionate about supporting people who stutter and advancing understanding of the lived experience of stuttering. Her professional experience spans schools, multidisciplinary clinics, private practice, university clinics, and international settings. Elisha is the creator of Break the Blocks, an improvisational theater program for people who stutter, developed in partnership with David Catlin, Head of Acting at Northwestern University. Since its launch in January 2024, the program has provided a unique space for participants to build community, confidence, and connection through improvisation. Elisha is a recipient of the Spero Stuttering Ally of Stuttering® Speech-Language Pathologist Seal, recognizing her dedication as an ally to the stuttering community.
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
BS, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
Sarah Penzell, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Associate Clinical Professor
Sarah Penzell’s primary clinical interests lie in the areas of acquired neurogenic communication disorders, fluency disorders, and accent modification.
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
BA, History and American Studies, Northwestern University
Judith O. Roman, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Associate Clinical Professor
Judy Roman is as a speech–language pathologist and ASHA Board Certified Specialist in Child Language. She embraces working with very young children who haven’t yet begun talking and then follows them as their language and speech abilities grow and change. She has worked with a large early intervention team and is certified in Pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT). Her experience includes owning a private practice and working in hospital and school settings as well. Additionally, she completed a year-long fellowship in learning and teaching. Judy‘s workdays are full of playing and talking with children, engaging in critical thinking with graduate student clinicians about therapy, learning from and with her colleagues, and moving the speech-language pathology profession forward!
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MA, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University
BS, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University
Aaron Wilkins, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Associate Clinical Professor
Aaron Wilkins’ primary clinical interest is in the area of acquired neurogenic communication disorders and dysphagia (swallowing disorders).
SLPD, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University
MS, Speech Pathology, Saint Xavier University
BA, Speech and Language Pathology, Elmhurst College